Former Super Eagles head coach Clemens Westerhof is reportedly in critical condition after being diagnosed with colon cancer in the Netherlands, with his wife appealing for prayers and better medical care.
Westerhof, 86, is receiving treatment at Rijnstate Hospital in Arnhem, his hometown, following the diagnosis, which his wife, Lilian, said had left the family devastated.
Speaking on Friday night, Lilian disclosed that doctors had informed them of the cancer diagnosis, describing the development as another major challenge in her husband’s ongoing health struggles.
“The doctor just told us he has colon cancer and we are all devastated. He is in a critical condition and emotional, talking about our two daughters. He wants to live. We need help. We need prayers,” she said.
According to the report, Westerhof was taken to the hospital on Wednesday. The Dutch football tactician had also been battling Alzheimer’s disease before the latest diagnosis.
His wife expressed concern about the treatment he was receiving, saying she hoped to move him to a better-equipped medical facility in Amsterdam or Germany.
“They appear to have given up. I don’t understand,” Lilian said, raising concerns about the care being provided to the former coach.
Westerhof, who turned 86 in May, remains an important figure in Nigerian football history because of his achievements with the Super Eagles during his time in charge.
He guided Nigeria to its first-ever FIFA World Cup qualification in 1994 and led the team to victory at the Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia that same year.
Under his leadership, Nigeria also finished as runners-up at the 1990 AFCON and secured third place in the 1992 edition.
His tenure further saw the Super Eagles rise to fifth in the FIFA world rankings, a landmark achievement for Nigerian and African football.
As Westerhof continues to receive treatment, his wife has called for prayers and assistance as the family faces the difficult period.
